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Shape: Most tarps for hammocking are either rectangular (e.g. 10'x12') or hexagonal. A variant on these shapes is "diamond shaped" (think square but rigged corner to corner). If you want the ability to close the ends (sorta like doors), you'll want a rectangular tarp or one of its variants (some have extra fabric to make bigger doors).

Material: Silnylon is the most common, the cheapest and widely available. The downside is that it is the heaviest (though still relatively lightweight). Spinnaker fabric is lighter, pricier. Cuben fabric is crazy light and very pricey.

I have an OES MacCat deluxe in Spinnaker fabric, but I've modded it (thanks to 2Q and ZQ for the door mod) to give me the ability to close up the ends when windy/stormy weather appears.

I also have a silnylon Winter Dreams tarp (no longer made) which provides the maximum coverage in colder weather.

"The more I carry the happier I am in camp; the less I carry the happier I am getting there" - Sgt. Rock

My tarp purchases have been made to solve a need or issue and are a balance point from design/function and price. I'm lucky enough to have a few and each solves a different need (ie greater protection, minimalist etc). Think arrows in my quiver!

The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering. - St. Augustine

I have a big 4-season style tarp. It's oversized and has doors to provide excellent coverage in nasty weather. With the doors closed it closes up like a tent and the extra size lets you pitch it close to the ground. Made from silnylon.

My silnylon Mac Cat tarp is a hex shape - basically the four season tarp without the doors. Saves some weight compared to the four season. Less coverage. Theoretically better ventilation than a bigger 4-season tarp, but you could always tie the doors open or set up in porch mode to improve ventilation. Minimalist sizes of the Mac Cat shape tarps will be one of the lightest possible choices (especially in Cuben Fiber)

I also have a 4-season style tarp made from Cuben Fiber. Not quite as big as the silnylon 4-season tarp. This is by far my favorite tarp. It's inherently waterproof, exceptionally light, and I like the fact that it's translucent. The light weight means that I carry it even in the summer in case one of those mountain thunderstorms threaten to blow rain in sideways. Worth every penny. It rocks.